AAQ Extended Certificate in Mental Health
What is the course about?
The course gives students a sound understanding about the Mental Health Sector Students will gain understanding about current legislation and policy relating to the Mental Health sector as well as having a hands-on experience in both fields when completing the work experience programme. There are very strong links with volunteer groups within the care and education services - for example, Ageless Thanet and Macmillan Crossroads.
For whom is the course suitable?
The course will appeal to empathic students who are interested in working in the Mental Health Sector. Lessons will include class discussions relating to current legislation, policies and issues so students who enjoy current affairs will be most suitable. Students would be expected to manage their time effectively, have a good work ethic, good examination techniques combined with sound written skills and the ability to develop independent learning skills.
The single award is equivalent to 1 A-Level and is completed over 360 Guided Learning Hours by the completion of 2 exams and 3 Coursework units. The qualification has 4 mandatory units and one optional unit.
Teaching Methods and Homework commitment:
Teaching methods include class discussions, group research and practical tasks-to enhance learning. Students are expected to take class notes and need to make sure that they keep on task as homework is essential to the successful completion of the course. The coursework units are split into a series of tasks. The emphasis in this course is on independent learning. Students work with teachers who guide them through the course and set deadlines for assignments which must be met. Examination work will be mainly teacher lead, with strong links to practical application.
What could I go on to do at the end of the course?
Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed through these units, will help you progress to further study in related areas such as: BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing, BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing, BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching, BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing and BSc (Hons) Health Studies
There are also a lot of apprenticeships within the NHS and other organisations which allow a direct line into the industry. Health and social courses offer entry into a range of different careers including Social worker, Nursery
Mental Health Carers and Counsellors, Nurse, Medical Secretary, Nurse, Midwife, Care Assistant, Primary School Teacher or Assistant Charity Workers, Mental Health Carers and CounsellorsÂ
Method of Study and Assessment:
The course consists of a total of five units of work. There are four mandatory units and one optional unit, these are to be completed over the two years.
The mandatory units are:
F400: Fundamentals of mental health and the individual- This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important for the mental health and wellbeing of an individual.
F401: Mental health, wellbeing and society- This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about what society is and the things that combine to shape society. You will learn about how perceptions of mental health in society have changed over time and how this has affected the treatment of and care for people with mental health disorders. You will also learn about what the provision of support for mental health and wellbeing in society is like today and the current societal influences on mental health and wellbeing.
F402: Supporting and promoting mental health in organisations- This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about how organisations support the mental health of their employees. You will learn how to identify the ways work can impact mental health, best practices for monitoring, influencing and improving mental health through communicating a mental health campaign.
F403: Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing- This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about social connectedness, why it’s important and how it can be improved. You will learn about the benefits, processes, and factors affecting social prescribing and how it can be used to support improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
Optional Units - 2 must be selected:
F404: Supporting mental health and wellbeing with physical activity- This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about physical activity and its impact on mental health and wellbeing. You will also learn how to plan physical activities to support improvements in mental health and wellbeing and how physical activity participants can be supported to ensure effective participation and engagement.
F405: Supporting mental health and wellbeing with outdoor and creative activities- This unit is assessed by an assignment. In this unit you will learn about how the role of nature connectedness and the outdoors can support improvements in mental health and wellbeing. You will also learn about the different types of outdoor activities that can be used for therapeutic purposes and the theories that underpin their use, as well as creative therapies in practice.